Online Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree - Graphic designers are the creative minds behind the visuals found in advertisements, brochures and other consumer-oriented materials. Through strategic color, text and image choices, graphic designers set the tone for websites, product lines, advertising campaigns and – in some cases – entire business ventures. Graphic designers must be familiar with cutting-edge software programs and computing platforms in order to carry out their duties and compete in the job market.
An online bachelor’s degree in graphic design can teach students how to harness their creative energy to serve clients’ needs and create a marketable portfolio of their work. Online graphic design degree programs introduce students to the latest creative technologies, as well as strategies for marketing and selling products using visuals and multimedia. Graduate degrees in graphic design are widely available, but a bachelor's is considered sufficient for most careers in this field.
According to the 2017-18 College Salary Report by PayScale, an online salary database, graphic design bachelor's degree recipients earn a median annual salary of $40,200 during their first five years on the job and $61,700 after a decade in the workforce.
A graphic design degree online program offers flexibility for students who are also working professionals. Web-based programs typically follow the same rigorous curricula as brick-and-mortar options, leading to similar advancement opportunities for graduates. The online format is also ideal for students who must tackle additional commitments – such as child or family care – on top of their work and class schedules.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in graphic design online?
Standard graphic design online degrees are designed for completion within four years. Accelerated options may span from three years to as little as 16 months. Students earning their graphic design online degree typically need to complete 120 credits.How much does a graphic design degree cost?
The cost of an online graphic design degree depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.Per-credit costs for an online graphic design degree typically range from $320 to $800. Students should expect to pay between $38,000 and $96,000 in total tuition.
Admission requirements for a graphic design online program
Some online graphic design programs may require or encourage applicants to submit a portfolio of their best visual arts work as part of the application process. A high school diploma or equivalent credential is normally required for admission into a graphic design bachelor's program.Choosing an accredited online graphic design degree program
Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school's educational programs and student services.A school's accreditation impacts course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the program has earned national or regional accreditation.
Online Coursework
Example courses
- Digital design
- Typography
- Branding and identity
- Basic design and color theory
- History of contemporary graphic design
- Page layout tools
The coursework for a graphic design degree online typically consists of foundational courses in drawing and composition, web design, typography and color theory. Additionally, many programs include courses in electronic publishing, branding and the history of the graphic design industry.
AIGA: AIGA represents over 25,000 members across more than 70 national chapters, making it one of the largest professional organizations for graphic designers. The institute hosts numerous events across the U.S. each month and has spearheaded initiatives aimed at boosting diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Graphic Artists Guild: The GAG invites designers, animators, cartoonists, illustrators, digital artists and other related professionals to join for $200 per year; students may also become members for $75 per year. The guild's website features a compendium of online resources, including guides for licensing, negotiating contracts, registering for copyrights and submitting work for art competitions.
International Council for Design: Founded in London in 1963, ico-D is dedicated to representing and advocating for design professionals across the globe. The council offers a mentorship program and design achievement awards in cooperation with Adobe and also provides endorsements to competitions, exhibitions and conferences.
Portfolio development
In many online graphic design programs, students develop a portfolio of the work that best represents their style and skills. Students are often required to present their portfolios as part of their capstone project at the end of the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers often review applicant portfolios before making hiring decisions.Professional Associations in Graphic Design
Graphic design students and recent bachelor's degree graduates can benefit from joining a professional association. These organizations offer resources for aspiring professionals, including professional development and training programs, networking events, access to online journals and trade publications, and career counseling. Three professional associations for graphic designers are outlined below.Job Outlook and Salary for Graduates
Many graphic designers are self-employed, and professionals in the field often transition from job to job.
"It’s completely plausible for a designer to work for a design studio, go into private practice, join a team at an advertising agency and then partner with a friend there to start a new studio – all in the span of a few years," Juliette Cezzar, assistant professor of communication design at the New School in New York City, wrote on the AIGA website.
The job outlook for graphic designers will likely remain steady. The BLS projects that this occupation will grow by 5 percent – or 12,500 new jobs – between 2016 and 2026.
Other professions available to those who complete a graphic design bachelor's degree online face similar or better growth projections for this same time period; jobs for art directors are expected to increase 7 percent, while jobs for multimedia artists and animators are projected to grow 10 percent.
The long-term employment outlook for graphic designers depends on their industry of choice, according to the BLS. Jobs in newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishing are expected to fall by 22 percent between 2016 and 2026. Jobs in computer systems design and related services, on the other hand, are projected to increase by 20 percent during the same period.
The following four occupations are available careers for those who earn a graphic design online degree.
Art director: Art directors manage the artistic and visual elements of publications, advertising materials and media productions. They are often responsible for creating style and image guidelines, reviewing project work from staff artists and presenting their designs to clients and organizational leaders. The BLS notes that 13 percent of art directors work in advertising, public relations and related services.
Creative director: With duties similar to those of art directors but often wider in scope, creative directors manage the various artistic and creative elements of their organization. This often includes visuals, music, multimedia and graphic designs.
Graphic designer: Graphic designers create the visuals used to promote and represent organizations and products. They must be adept at using different colors, images, fonts and layout principles in order to create effective visuals. Their work is often done on digital platforms, but some designers may still work by hand.
Senior graphic designer: Senior graphic designers are essentially team leaders who bridge the gap between designers and creative or art directors. In most cases, these roles are reserved for candidates with substantial work experience, either as a freelancer or a junior associate.
"It’s completely plausible for a designer to work for a design studio, go into private practice, join a team at an advertising agency and then partner with a friend there to start a new studio – all in the span of a few years," Juliette Cezzar, assistant professor of communication design at the New School in New York City, wrote on the AIGA website.
The job outlook for graphic designers will likely remain steady. The BLS projects that this occupation will grow by 5 percent – or 12,500 new jobs – between 2016 and 2026.
Other professions available to those who complete a graphic design bachelor's degree online face similar or better growth projections for this same time period; jobs for art directors are expected to increase 7 percent, while jobs for multimedia artists and animators are projected to grow 10 percent.
What can you do with a bachelor's in graphic design?
According to the BLS, about one-fifth of graphic designers are self-employed.. They frequently find work in fields like specialized design; advertising and public relations; publishing and printing.The long-term employment outlook for graphic designers depends on their industry of choice, according to the BLS. Jobs in newspaper, periodical, book and directory publishing are expected to fall by 22 percent between 2016 and 2026. Jobs in computer systems design and related services, on the other hand, are projected to increase by 20 percent during the same period.
The following four occupations are available careers for those who earn a graphic design online degree.
Licensure and certification
Graphic designers generally do not need licensure, but a professional certification can help them compete in the job markets. According to the BLS, certification in graphic design is often offered through software product vendors. Online graphic design certificates are also offered through some postsecondary institutions.
Article Source : https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/graphic-design-bachelors-degree
